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Honda Accord VCM

2715 messages,  Last post on Oct 23, 2012 at 6:25 PM

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What is this discussion about? Honda Accord, Transmission, Sedan

Messages Page 272 of 272

#2705 of 2715 Re: recurring fouled spark plug with vcm [indydriver] by ioreper

Oct 07, 2012 (6:40 am)

Replying to: indydriver (Oct 05, 2012 4:30 am)
Update. My local dealer who got the pleasure of dealing with me this time diagnosed a misfire on one cylinder and a fouled spark plug. They recommended I replace all spark plugs (as I did last year at roughly 50K). After all, the car has 70K miles on it. The PCM software, however, is up to date this time.
 
After I kindly explained the history and similar diagnosis from the other dealer last year, I asked them to dig deeper and call me back with a root cause or they could keep my car. They called back many hours later and after spending some time on the Honda tech line. Apparently, they took some things apart and sent photos to Honda who in turn recommended a short block and rings free of charge. When asked why, they explained that there are issues with the VCM getting oil to specific cylinders which is causing misfires and fouled plugs. Who knows what else could be affected. Their fix seems a little more permanent than replacing plugs every few months but I am not keeping my hopes up. I am re-opening my original case with Honda from last year and going after a full reimbursement on the original PCM software upgrade and spark plug job.
 
I am now worried of new issues down the road, which may not have manifest yet, due to the oil not getting everywhere it should for over 70K miles. Any ideas about what they could be? Part of me wants to keep the car in hopes that the next repair will be the last related to this. Another part of me wants to give this lemon back to Honda and get my money back to buy a more reliable car.
 
Any ideas what else I could expect down the road related to this issue? I drive about 20-24K miles every year. I need reliability above all else. That's why I bought this car in the first place and so far, the plan has backfired.

#2706 of 2715 Re: Well it's finally happened [indydriver] by ioreper

Oct 07, 2012 (6:51 am)

Replying to: indydriver (May 18, 2012 3:27 am)
I've been having multiple VCM-related issues (fouled plugs, low oil, etc). I drive almost entirely highway. My 2009 Accord currently has over 70K miles on it. Honda just recommended a short block and rings. I am worried there is more wrong with the engine and seriously considering a different car. Here are the details - http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f169a0d/2704#MSG2704.

#2707 of 2715 Re: recurring fouled spark plug with vcm [ioreper] by indydriver

Oct 07, 2012 (12:18 pm)

Replying to: ioreper (Oct 07, 2012 6:40 am)
Unfortunately, there is really only one long term solution for you or anyone with recurring problems due to faulty technology: get rid of it. Move on.

#2708 of 2715 Re: recurring fouled spark plug with vcm [indydriver] by plymouthma

Oct 07, 2012 (2:38 pm)

Replying to: indydriver (Oct 07, 2012 12:18 pm)
I got my car back yesterday. i paid $250, Honda paid for rest. The dealership gave me loaner for free for 5 days. they replaced small or lower engine block, ring seals, 3 plugs, etc. I asked them if they think this will happen again, they seemed confident that with software update that it would not. I was wondering if any one after the software change, (2011 or newer) has had this problem.So far it seems to be only in cars prior to this update, such as mine and ioreper.
  Right now the car is smooth, i never noticed significant hesitation from VCM either now or previously.

#2709 of 2715 Re: recurring fouled spark plug with vcm [plymouthma] by indydriver

Oct 13, 2012 (8:08 am)

Replying to: plymouthma (Oct 07, 2012 2:38 pm)
The only hope I can give you is that our 2011 with 13,000 miles has been flawless. However, it is driven 95% city, so it is rarely exposed to the conditions that create problems (long stretches of 3 cylinder operation, i.e., highway cruising). The 2011's also have the piston ring mod and extra moly when delivered. Since the moly eventually washes away, I am going to a high moly oil.

#2710 of 2715 Re: recurring fouled spark plug with vcm [plymouthma] by robtroxel

Oct 13, 2012 (11:10 am)

Replying to: plymouthma (Oct 07, 2012 2:38 pm)
In essence, Honda created needless complexity by adapting VCM, when in fact a 6 or 7 speed transmission would have done the job! We left Honda Accords after our fantastic running 2007 V6 EXL was worn out. That combined with the sneaky de contenting on the bloated 2008+made it an easy decision to go elsewhere. I am not surprised about the reliability issues posted here. on the v6 VCM models.

#2711 of 2715 Re: recurring fouled spark plug with vcm [robtroxel] by indydriver

Oct 13, 2012 (3:30 pm)

Replying to: robtroxel (Oct 13, 2012 11:10 am)
I don't know about "needless". Blame your government for the pressure of CAFE. In the minivan world, Honda has a 15% fuel mileage advantage because of VCM and that is huge. It's also why I bought a Sienna. But how many of those buyers even know about VCM? They trust Honda to be reliable.

#2712 of 2715 Re: recurring fouled spark plug with vcm [indydriver] by robtroxel

Oct 13, 2012 (4:12 pm)

Replying to: indydriver (Oct 13, 2012 3:30 pm)
CAFE was the motivation for VCM, but ...they needed the 6 or 7 speed auto first and I believe they would get the same results without VCM's..unneeded complexity. Understand my context with the 4 door sedans as the bench mark. Toyota did just that and have an engine that runs smoothly at all speeds. That minivan "advantage" shows on paper but I'll bet the real world mileage is closer on both and you won't be sucking oil 80,000 miles like many of the Honda's seem to be.

#2713 of 2715 Re: recurring fouled spark plug with vcm [robtroxel] by rodut

Oct 23, 2012 (6:25 pm)

Replying to: robtroxel (Oct 13, 2012 4:12 pm)
True. It's better to let all the cylinders work, on a higher gear. Low noise, low wear, no vibrations.

Messages Page 272 of 272

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